MIL News Weekly

This episode of MIL News Weekly covers major developments in the military and veteran community from March 29 to April 4, 2026. Highlights include a significant leadership change as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth requested Army Chief of Staff General Randy George’s retirement, signaling new strategic directions at the Pentagon 00:44. A continued Department of Homeland Security shutdown is impacting Coast Guard pay, though President Trump has pledged to intervene 01:26. For retirees, updates include reminders about the 2.8% COLA adjustment, DFAS administrative changes, and the pending Major Richard Starr Act, which would end offsets reducing retirement pay for combat-injured veterans 03:23. The VISN Reform Act may restructure VA healthcare management 04:33. The VA’s 2026 budget request jumps to $441.2 billion, with major increases for toxic exposure care, disability benefits, and healthcare expansion 05:07. Proposed rule changes to disability ratings faced backlash and were rescinded 06:07. Key legislative updates cover improved home-based care, protections against claim “sharks,” and efforts to automatically enroll transitioning veterans in VA healthcare 07:34.

(00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro
(00:38) - Issues That Affect Active and Reserve Military Personnel
(01:12) - Coast Guard Pay During Shutdown
(01:42) - Army Reserve Readiness Highlights
(02:13) - Issues That Affect Retired Military Personnel
(03:19) - Major Richard Star Act Push
(04:22) - VISN Reform and VA Care Changes
(04:53) - Issues That Affect Veterans Affairs
(04:55) - Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Submission.
(05:57) - Disability Ratings Rule Reversal
(06:30) - Education Benefits and GI Bill Update
(06:59) - Key Bills Moving in House
(08:12) - Wrap Up and Next Week

MIL News Weekly 29 Mar - 4 Apr 2026 (Episode 44)